Learning The Game Sports Officiating Simulation Device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for simulating the experience of a sports official is disclosed. The apparatus includes a medium for displaying game content; a first input means for receiving a first input signal, wherein displayed game content is temporarily stopped or paused when a first input signal is received; and a timer for monitoring a pre-set time period for the display of game content.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a simulation apparatus, especially asimulation apparatus that enables a user to play the role of a sportsofficial during a game.

BACKGROUND

Every sport is governed by its own set of rules. During a sportingcontest, one or more persons called officials administer the game byenforcing rules. Every level of sport—little league, middle school, highschool, college, semi-pro, professional—require officials for the gamesto be played safely and properly. The officials who officiate ourbeloved games come from every segment of society and have variedknowledge, abilities, skills and experience.

During a game, regardless of the sport, it is not rare for a spectatorto wish an official(s) working a particular game was doing a better job;making fewer mistakes and administering the game in a more efficientmanner. The level of frustration experienced by a spectator isespecially high if the official(s) blows an important call and/orinfluences the outcome of the game. Sometimes an official(s) performs sopoorly that a spectator believes he/she can do a better job ofofficiating than the official(s) who are trained and get paid toofficiate.

The uneven, and sometimes outright poor, performance of an official(s)as observed by spectators can be at least partly attributed to the wayofficials learn their craft. The conventional way for an official tolearn his/her craft is through study of the appropriate rules along withtrial and error experience gained by officiating actual games. Becausethere are only so many games per season for an official to officiate,the learning curve for a new official is difficult and it takes a longtime for a new official to gain proficiency.

In light of the limited number of actual games played per season for anofficial in a particular sport to practice his/her technique and gainproficiency, there is clearly demand for an apparatus capable ofsimulating the experience of a sports official that enables an officialto gain competence officiating a particular sport by training undergame-like situations; seeing and then identifying penalties in realgames. The present invention provides such an apparatus. The presentinvention provides a device for sports officials to increase their levelof skill by simulating the situations and conditions they encounterduring actual games. By increasing the competence level of sportsofficials, the present invention enhances the overall experience of thesports we love.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus capableof producing a simulation experience for sports officials and othersthat allows them to develop and/or improve officiating skills withouthaving to officiate an actual game.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus thatfacilitates learning the rules of a particular sport; such an apparatusis particularly useful for persons who have had no or limited exposureto a particular sport but desire to learn more about the particularsport and how it is played.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term “official” refers to a person who administers agame and enforces the rules during the game (i.e., a football game, abasketball game, a baseball game, a hockey game, a soccer game, a boxingmatch, a rugby match, etc.). Terms such as “referee”, “umpire”, “headlinesman”, “sports official”, etc. are considered to be synonymous withthe term “official”.

As used herein, the term “penalty” refers to a violation of a particularrule in a given sport. Terms such as “infraction”, “foul”, etc. areconsidered to be synonymous with the term “penalty”.

As used herein, apparatus and device refer to a “computing system” orother which performs in a manner similar to a computer or other devicehaving a processor and memory capable of performing the describedsimulation. The term personal computing device encompasses variousmodels made by manufactures such as, but not limited to, Dell computer,Gateway computer, Apple, etc. and includes video game consoles such asthe X-Box from Microsoft, the Playstation from Sony, PSP from Sony, theGameboy system from Nintendo, etc. Another example of a suitablepersonal computing device is a television set having a set top box orTiVo. As used herein, the term “computing system” encompassestelephones; particularly mobile and cellular telephones.

As used herein, the term “displaying” encompasses showing video,graphics, and/or generating audible content. Video content can bedisplayed on a screen such as a television screen, a computer screen,etc. Audio content can be displayed over one or more speakers anddisplayed simultaneously with video content displayed on a screen.

The present invention is an apparatus that simulates the experience of asports official comprising (a) a medium over which game content isdisplayed and (b) a first input means capable of receiving a first inputsignal.

According to the present invention, the apparatus comprises a mediumover which game content can be displayed. The medium can be a visualmedium such as a screen; an audible medium such as loudspeakers; etc.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the game content isrecorded from a previously played sporting event. The game content canbe from any sport including, but not limited, to a football game, abasketball game, a baseball game, a hockey game, a soccer game, a boxingmatch, a tennis match, etc. The game content can be from any level ofsport including little league, high school, college, or professional.

It is envisioned that the game content will be provided by a sportsleague such as the National Basketball Association, National FootballAssociation, National Baseball League, National Hockey League, U.S.Soccer League or by a collegiate association such as the NationalAssociation of Intercollegiate Athletics.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the sporting event fromwhich the game content originates has been filmed using various cameraangles. For example, game content from a football game can be filmedfrom a camera(s) in one or more endzones (i.e., endzone camera angle),from a camera(s) on one or more sidelines (i.e., sideline camera angle),from a camera(s) over the stadium (i.e., overhead camera angle), etc.Thus, in this embodiment, the camera angle of displayed game content canbe changed to give a user (a person viewing the game content or usingthe invention is referred to herein as a “user”) a different vantagepoint. The display of game content is not restricted to the view fromany particular camera angle.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the camera angle of thedisplayed game content can be changed during the simulation. Forexample, the camera angle of the displayed content can be changed uponreceiving a “camera angle shifting signal” from, for example, an endzonecamera angle to a sideline camera angle. According to the presentinvention, the apparatus can comprise a “camera angle shifting inputmeans” to receive the camera angle shifting signal. The camera angleshifting input means can be the same or different from the first inputmeans.

The following scenario is included for illustrative purposes. Theapparatus of the present invention is displaying game content from asideline camera angle on the medium. The apparatus of the invention thenreceives a camera angle shifting signal that changes the camera angle ofthe visually displayed content. For example, the game content beingdisplayed is from a side line camera angle, and a camera angle shiftingsignal is received to change the display of game content to an endzonecamera angle.

When the game content originates from a sporting event that has beenplayed at some point in the past, the original content contains footageof and relating to the officials who worked the event. If the officialsat the original sporting event are visible and/or there is evidence oftheir participation present during the display of game content step ofthe present invention, the impact of the present invention might bereduced. Therefore, in a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, thegame content of the invention is edited before it is displayed in amanner such that the presence of officials at the original sportingcontest and/or any evidence of their presence which would negativelyimpact the simulation is deleted. In this embodiment, penaltiescommitted during the actual game and related activities (i.e., throwinga flag, blowing a whistle, enforcement of a penalty, etc.) are editedout of the game content and are not apparent/detectable when the gamecontent is being displayed.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the game content isedited in a manner that enhances the simulation. For example, portionsof the displayed content can be digitally enhanced to sharpen videoimages or increase the scale of the video (i.e., make players in thevideo content appear larger and make their movements more well defined).

According to the present invention, the apparatus stores and/or accessesgame content in a number of ways. In a non-limiting embodiment of theinvention, the apparatus receives game content that is transmitted froma server or similar device via the internet or other. The server orsimilar device can be at the same location as the apparatus or alocation remote from the apparatus. In this embodiment, the apparatusreceives game content transmitted from the server or other and receivedusing equipment and methods which are well known in the art.

There are many ways in the art to transmit and receive digital andanalog signals. An example of a suitable data transmission system forthe transmission and receipt of game content is the on-demand systemused by cable operators like Comcast. Another example of a suitablemethod is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,792 assigned to USA VideoInc. (Dallas, Tex.).

In the embodiment described above, the apparatus can immediately displaygame content upon receipt or it can store the game content in aconventional manner for future display.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the apparatusstores the game content. For example, game content is stored on a harddrive or similar. The game content can originate from a server, disc orany other device and then be transferred and stored on the apparatus.

A subscription model can be used to authorize access to a server orsimilar device and regulate the transmission of game content from theserver/device. Internet based subscription systems such as TiVo are wellknown in the art.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the apparatusutilizes a digital video disc (DVD) or similar storage device to storethe game content. At the appropriate time, the apparatus can read theDVD and display the game content.

In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the apparatususes a conventional digital video recorder (DVR) to store the gamecontent in digital form. At the appropriate time, the apparatus cancommunicate with the DVR and display the game content. An example of aDVR system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,674,960 assigned to ForgentNetworks, Inc. (Austin, Tex.).

According to the present invention, the apparatus comprises a firstinput means. While the game content is being displayed, the first inputmeans can receive a first input signal. Upon receipt of the first inputsignal, the apparatus stops or pauses the display of the game content.The apparatus receives the first input signal using equipment andmethods which are well known in the art. The first input signaltypically indicates a penalty has been observed.

The first input signal can be generate by a first input device such as akeyboard, joystick, or other similar device as is well known in the art.In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the first input device isa whistle or other device capable of making sound.

In the practice of the invention, the various input and output devicesreferred to herein can be connected using various input/outputconnectors and ports which are well known in the art. The variousinput/output devices can communicate with the apparatus of the inventionby any suitable means such as, but not limited to, a wireless systemsuch as “Bluetooth”, cable, etc.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises asecond input means capable of receiving a second input signal. Thesecond input means can be the same or a different device from the firstinput means. The second input signal can be generated by a second inputdevice. The second input signal can be generated and received usingequipment and methods which are well known in the art.

The second input signal can be generated by a second input device suchas a keyboard, joystick, or other similar device. The second inputdevice can be the same device as the first input device or a differentdevice.

The second input signal typically indicates a specific infraction. Theterm “specific infraction” refers to information such as, but notlimited to, the type of infraction committed, who (which player)committed the infraction, etc. For example, in a football game, the typeof infraction can be holding, clipping, grabbing a facemask, roughingthe passer, being offsides, etc. For example, in a basketball game, thetype of infraction can be double dribble, a blocking foul, a charge,travelling, etc.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the second input deviceis sensor capable of detecting and interpreting movement. For example,the sensor can detect and interpret particular body movements. If aperson were to perform the body movement associated with a holdingpenalty in football, for example, the sensor would interpret themovement as such and generate an appropriate signal.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the display of gamecontent is stopped or paused until the first input signal, andoptionally, the second input signal is received. After the input signalsare received, the display of the game content is resumed. Ideally, thedisplay of game content resumes at the next point in the game thatenables a smooth transition from where the first input signal wasreceived (i.e., a penalty was observed). The display of game contentcontinues until the apparatus receives another first input signal or thetime period for the display of game content expires. The apparatusincludes a timer for monitoring a pre-set time period for the display ofgame content and stopping the display upon the expiration of such timeperiod.

The time period for the display of game content is typically determinedbefore the game content is initially displayed. In a non-limitingembodiment of the invention, the time period is 5 minutes, 10 minutes,20 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. The time period can be the entire length(i.e., from the start to the finish) of a game. There is no limitationon the time period for display of the game content.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes ameans for calculating a score. The score is calculated after the timeperiod for display of the game content expires. The score can be basedon an evaluation of: the first input signals or the first and the secondinput signals. Because the first and second input signals represent thepenalties called during the relevant time period by a user, thatinformation can be evaluated against a control indicative of the actualpenalties (i.e., the penalties determined to be present by anauthoritative person or body as opposed to those observed by the user)committed in the game content displayed over the relevant time period.The score can be indicative of a user's level of competence to officiatea particular sport.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a computed score isdisplayed on the medium and/or is audibly conveyed after the time periodhas expired and the score has been calculated.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a score is generatedbased on (a) a number of correct calls; (b) a number of incorrect calls;and/or (c) a number of improper calls during a specified time period. Asused herein, a correct call is a penalty that was called properly. For acorrect call, two conditions must be present: (1) a penalty did occur inthe displayed game content when (approximately) a first input signal wasreceived and (2) the penalty was properly identified (a holding penaltywas identified as a holding penalty; not a facemask penalty, forexample).

The following illustrates a “correct call”, an “incorrect call” and an“improper call”. References to a penalty actually occurring in thedisplayed content and the specifics of the penalty refer to the judgmentof an authoritative person or body.

In this example, the displayed game content is from a football game andshows a holding penalty. Game content is being displayed on the mediumof the apparatus. A first input signal is received by the first inputmeans approximately when the holding penalty occurs in the displayedgame content. Thus, the first condition for a correct call is satisfied.A penalty did occur approximately when the first input signal wasreceived.

Next, the second input means receives a second input signal thatindicates the penalty observed was a holding penalty. Because thepenalty was properly identified, both conditions for a correct call havebeen satisfied in this instance. If the second input signal had notindicated that a holding penalty was observed, both requirements for acorrect call would not have been present. This would constitute animproper call.

If a penalty had not occurred in the displayed content approximatelywhen the first input signal was received, this situation would representan incorrect call. A penalty did not occur approximately when the firstinput signal was received.

As used herein, an improper call refers to the situation when the firstcondition (i.e., a penalty did occur approximately when the first inputsignal was received) for a correct call is satisfied, but the secondcondition (i.e., the proper identification of the infraction) is not.Had the second input signal been indicative of an illegal motion penaltyas opposed to a holding penalty, the call would have been an impropercall.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises ameans for rewinding and re-displaying game content. The rewinding andredisplaying of the game content can be accomplished using equipment andtechniques which are well known in the art.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises ameans for accessing a database or similar that contains the rules of aparticular sport (referred to herein, as a “rules database”) usingequipment and techniques for searching content in a database which arewell known in the art. This allows searches for particular rules to beconducted and displayed over the medium. An example of a suitable systemfor storing and searching information is a server archive-based editingand research system referred to in the industry as the SABER system. Therules database can be stored and/or accessed in a similar manner to thegame content.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the rules database contains the rules ofthe National Football Association. In another embodiment, the rulesdatabase contains the rules of the Virginia High School FootballAthletic Association. In yet another embodiment, the rules databasecontains the rules of the National Basketball Association.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises ameans for accessing a database or similar containing video content forthe proper mechanics (mechanics database) using well known equipment andtechniques. This allows searches of particular mechanics to be conductedand displayed over the medium. In a non-limiting example, the databaseor similar contains video content illustrating the proper mechanic forcalls according to the National Football League. The mechanics databasecan be stored and/or accessed in a similar manner to the game content.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises ameans for accessing information about national and internationalofficiating chapters. The apparatus can access the information anddisplay it over the medium. In this embodiment, the database or similarof sports officiating chapters for various sports across the nationand/or globe is searchable. Based on user information such as zip codeor other, the apparatus can display contact information for a sportsofficiating chapter in a desired area. In this manner, a person usingthe present invention who is interested in becoming a sports officialcan be directed to a local sports officiating organization in his/herarea.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the apparatus of the invention utilizesone or more software programs or similar. As a result, the apparatuscomprises a means for utilizing such software. The software can bewritten on a DVD or other programmable device as in known in the art sothat it can be read and actuated by the apparatus. The apparatus of thisinvention is not limited to any particular computing platform such as apersonal computer using a Windows operating system, a Sony PSP, aMicrosoft X Box, a Nintendo gameboy, etc. The apparatus of the presentinvention can be any platform.

According to the present invention, the apparatus processes(transmitting, receiving, etc.) various input and output signals usingequipment and methods which are well known in the art.

The apparatus utilized to practice the present invention can contain oneor more video and/or graphic systems including components for receivingcompressed and uncompressed graphics and video and for processing thereceived graphics and video into displayable format. The graphic displaysystem can be any one capable of processing video input signals that mayinclude analog video signals, digital video signals, etc. The analogsignals can be, for example, NTSC, PAL and SECAM signals or any otherconventional type of analog signal. The digital signals can be decodedMPEG signals or other format of digital video output.

Suitable methods for processing audio and video signals are well knownin the art. A suitable method is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,728,312assigned to Forgent Networks, Inc. (Austin, Tex.).

We will now illustrate the practice of the invention when the gamecontent is from a football game. In the practice of the invention, theapparatus contains at least one screen on which game content isdisplayed. The game content is from a previously recorded football game,and the original football game content has been edited in a manner suchthat there is no sign or indication of the officials who administeredthe actual game while the game content is being displayed. At some pointduring the display of the game content, the first input means of theapparatus receives a first input signal. The displayed game content isthen stopped or paused.

The first input signal indicates a penalty has been observed. Next, asecond input signal that indicates the specific infraction which wasobserved is received by the second input means. For example, the secondinput signal can indicate one of the following infractions occurred: aholding penalty, a clip, an illegal procedure, a facemask, etc.

After the second input signal is received, the display of the gamecontent resumes at a place after which the first input signal wasreceived. The apparatus continues to display game content until anotherfirst input signal is received or the time period for display expires.At the expiration of the time period, the apparatus calculates anddisplays a score.

If another first input signal is received before the time period fordisplay of the game content expires, the apparatus repeats the sequencedescribed above from when the first input signal is received.

The present invention also encompasses a system that includes theapparatus described above plus other devices such as the first inputdevice and the second input device.

We will now illustrate the practice of the invention when the gamecontent is from a basketball game. In the practice of the invention, theapparatus includes at least one screen on which game content isdisplayed. The game content is from a previously recorded basketballgame, and the original basketball game content has been edited in amanner such that there is no sign or indication of the officials whoadministered the actual game while the game content is being displayed.At some point during the display of the game content, a first inputsignal is received by the first input means. The displayed game contentis then stopped or paused.

The first input signal indicates a penalty has been observed. Next, thesecond input means of the apparatus receives a second input signal thatindicates the specific infraction which was observed. For example, thesecond input signal can indicate one of the following infractionsoccurred: a double dribble, a traveling violation, a blocking foul, acharge, etc.

After the second input signal is received, the apparatus resumes thedisplay of game content at a place after which the first input signalwas received. The apparatus continues to display the game content untilanother first input signal is received or the time period for displayexpires. At the expiration of the time period, the apparatus calculatesand displays a score.

If another first input signal is received before the time period expiresfor the displayed game content, the apparatus repeats the sequencedescribed above from when the first input signal is received.

The apparatus of the present invention can be used as asimulator/training tool for officials at all levels and aspiringofficials. The present invention also provides officials and aspiringofficials an opportunity to test their knowledge and administration ofthe rules of a particular sport. The apparatus of the invention can alsobe used to introduce someone who is not knowledgeable about a particularsport to the rules of that sport and possibly develop a lifelong fan.

It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art thatmodifications may be made to the invention without departing from theconcepts disclosed in the foregoing description. Such modifications areto be considered as included within the scope of the invention.Accordingly, the particular embodiments described in detail hereinaboveare illustrative only and are not limiting as to the scope of theinvention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claimsand any and all equivalents thereof.

1. An apparatus for simulating the experience of a sports officialcomprising (a) a medium for displaying game content; (b) a first inputmeans for receiving a first input signal, wherein the the display ofgame content is temporarily stopped or paused when the first inputsignal is received; and (c) a timer for monitoring a pre-set time periodfor the display of game content.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the game content is recorded content from a previously playedsporting contest.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein thegame content is from a football game, a basketball game, a baseballgame, a hockey game, or a soccer game.
 4. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the first input signal is generated by a first inputdevice.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first inputsignal indicates a penalty has been observed in the displayed gamecontent.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising asecond input means for receiving a second input signal.
 7. The apparatusaccording to claim 6, wherein the second input signal represents aspecific infraction that has been observed in the displayed gamecontent.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second inputsignal is generated by a second input device.
 9. The apparatus accordingto claim 1 further comprising a camera angle shifting input means. 10.The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the displayed game contentis edited in a manner such that the presence of any officials at theactual game has been deleted.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1further comprising a means for receiving content from a server orsimilar device via the internet or other.
 12. The apparatus according toclaim 1 further comprising a means for calculating a score.
 13. Theapparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a means for searchingfor and displaying information.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13,wherein the information is a particular rule.
 15. The apparatusaccording to claim 13, wherein the information is a particular mechanic.16. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the information is aparticular officiating organization.
 17. The apparatus according toclaim 13, wherein the information is a particular rule, a particularmechanic and/or a particular officiating organization.
 18. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is selected from computers,video game consoles and telephones.